Michalak set for France recall

Frederic Michalak looks set to be called up to the France squad for their Test against New Zealand, according to coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

Frederic Michalak looks set to be called up to the France squad for their Test against New Zealand, according to coach Philippe Saint-Andre.

Clermont scrumhalf Morgan Parra was originally called up to the squad but subsequently hit with a four-week ban from October 16 for having unloaded a flurry of punches on Bordeaux-Begles's Gautier Gibouin during a French Top 14 match on September 29.

The 24-year-old has appealed his ban and will hear the decision on Thursday.

If he is unsuccessful he will miss the Test against the All Blacks at the Stade de France, and Saint-Andre hinted it would be veteran Michalak to benefit.

"If Morgan Parra doesn't win one or two weeks (in reduction to his suspension), there's a great chance that Frederic Michalak will come into the five halfback places," said Saint-Andre.

"We need three kickers, he's come back from injury and unusually plays nine and ten."

Michalak, 31, only returned to action following a dislocated shoulder at the beginning of October but played 50 minutes for Toulon against Toulouse on Saturday.

Saint-Andre is due to announce his 30-man squad to prepare for the All Blacks match on Sunday while he will reduce it to 26 on November 5 before announcing his 23-man match-day squad two days later.

France also play Test matches against Tonga on November 16 in Le Havre before entertaining South Africa in Paris a week later.
AFP